Visual target acquisition scope system

ABSTRACT

In a visual target acquisition scope system for an adjustable connection is provided between a zero magnification scope viewed by a first eye of a user and a power scope viewed by a second eye of the user. The system includes first and second movable sections connected and controlled by an adjustment locking mechanisms. According to the system, while the user is looking at the object through said zero magnification power scope by the first eye and looking at the object through the high power scope by the second eye, the target visible to the first eye is simultaneously visible to the second eye, so as to provide immediate acquisition and viewing of the object through the high power scope by the second eye.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

THIS APPLICATION CLAIMS PRIORITY TO U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONNo. 61/397,926 FILED BY YOACHIM C. RUSS ON JUNE 18, 2010 WHICHAPPLICATION IS HEREBY INCORPORATED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of optical devices ingeneral, and more particularly it relates to a visual target acquisitionsystem for high power scopes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that looking through a high power scope at an object oftenoffers a narrow field of view. In fact, an increase in the power, ormagnification, results in a decrease, or further narrowing of the fieldof view. In the field of optics, the power or magnification is theamount of enlargement one uses over what the naked eye sees naturally.This is typically expressed in numbers followed by an X sign. Zeromagnification is expressed as 1×, double the magnification is 2×, andten times is 10× and so on.

The difficulty of viewing any object through a high power scope comes invarious forms. One difficulty is in finding the object and viewing it.This process is also known as “target acquisition”. Another difficultyis in maintaining a target in the magnified field of view for theduration of the viewing period or as long as needed by a viewer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,833 to Mise, discloses Spotting Scope With AlignmentViewer. In this Patent, while a low power scope affords a wider field ofview than a high power scope, it still does not provide the widestpossible field of view. The view finder body is rigidly joined to thespotting scope body. This does not allow for any needed adjustments forviewing targets at different distances. Furthermore, the device of theMise Patent does not allow for simultaneous viewing with both eyesthrough both scopes. This forces the viewer to constantly move his/hergaze from one scope to the other, thereby risking not finding or losingthe target altogether.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,036 to Cluff discloses Binocular Spotting ScopeAssembly. The assembly of the Cluff Patent suffers from the followingshortcomings. While binoculars are used to aid in finding a target, abinocular does not afford a wider field of view than a monocular (singlebarrel) scope with the same power. According to the Cluff Patent, thelines of vision of the binocular and the spotting scope cross at a pointforward of the assembly. This indicates that if a target is found in thecenter of the binoculars' field of view, at a particular distance, itcan then be viewed in the center of the spotting-scope. However, if thedistance to the target changes, it will no longer be in the center ofview. In fact it might be completely out of the field of view. Therewill be a need to adjust the angle between the binocular and thespotting-scope. Constant adjustments of this setup will result inconstant misalignments. It could also result in a complete loss ofpotential targets. The setup of the Cluff Patent does not allow forsimultaneous viewing with both eyes through the binoculars and thespotting scope. This forces the viewer to constantly move his/her gazeand risks losing the target or not finding it at all.

In the case of the Binocular With Disparate Fields Of View, disclosed byU.S. Pat. No. 7,466,481 to McCabe, the field of view afforded by the lowpower, 4×-7×, side of the “binocular with disparate field of view”, isstill narrow when compared to the widest field of view allowed by a 1×scope. Furthermore, viewing a target, in the distance, through the twodifferent magnifications of the disparate optical systems is not thesame as viewing the world through two disparate lenses at the base ofone's nose, as in prescription glasses. This is because every lenssystem, arrayed on an optical axis (lenses arranged in line in a singletube or barrel), suffers some imperfections or aberrations. In a regularbinocular two symmetrical optical lens systems are put together. That iswhy the relative aberrations in a binocular are not pronounced enough tocause a major problem and might never be noticed. However, if they arenot symmetrical, as in the McCabe Patent, the disparate aberrations willdegrade the quality of the picture and cause confusion in the mind ofthe viewer.

Thus, it has been a need for a definitive, simple, compact, economicaland universal visual target acquisition system. There is also a need fora system that allows the widest possible field of view, that provides asuperimposed point of reference in that field of view, so as to aid infinding any target no matter at what the distance to the target islocated. It has been a further need for an optical system that allowsthe simultaneous and immediate magnified viewing of such target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a rapid visual target acquisition bymeans of a system which comprises a red dot scope with zero (1×)magnification and a high power scope. This system allows a simultaneoususe of such optical devices as, for example, the 1× red dot scopes withhigh power spotting scopes, riflescopes and star gazing scopes. Thesystem of the invention brings together a 1× power scope with a highpower scope in a particular novel way. Since a 1× scope provides thewidest possible field of view, it allows for the rapid locating of anytarget with one eye. Combining with the high power scope simultaneouslyprovides the other eye with a magnified view of that target.

Once both scopes are combined by the target acquisition arrangement ofthe invention and the distance between the scopes is set to accommodatethe viewer's Interpupillary Distance (IPD), it is a simple matter ofplacing the red dot on a target and immediately viewing it magnified.After a few moments a human brain focuses on viewing through the highpower side. If the target moves, the brain shifts some of its focus fromthe high power side to the red dot and the target is reacquiredimmediately and without conscious effort

The design and precise execution of the assembly of the inventionresults in the automatic optical plane alignment of the 1× red dot scopeand the high power scope, thereby reducing the need for multipleadjustments. The red dot in the 1× scope superimposes a centered pointof reference in the field of view. This not only aids in acquiring anytarget rapidly, it also eliminates the need for constant adjustments asthe distance to a target changes.

The system of the invention is capable of adjusting the distance betweenthe scopes to match the unique Interpupillary Distance (IPD) of anyuser. The viewer uses both eyes simultaneously, in a comfort, to findand view any target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be now described in greaterdetail herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pivot embodiment of the system onthe invention showing a spotting scope on a right side and a red dotscope on a left side;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pivot assembly (without the spottingand red dot scopes);

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pivot assembly having T-shapedconfiguration;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the T-shaped pivot arrangement;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pivot assembly mounted on a LongRifle scope with a red dot scope attached;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pivot assembly with the riflescopeand red dot scope removed;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tactical rifle embodiment of thepivot assembly;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are elevational rear views thereof;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wedge-shaped assembly showingmounting rings of the scopes;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the wedge-shaped assembly secured to ariflescope on the right and a red dot scope on the left;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a wedge-shaped assembly;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 22 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the shim assembly;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a single shim;

FIG. 27 is a rear elevational view of the shims assembly showingmounting rings; and

FIG. 28 is a schematic depiction of the principles of the invention.

It should be noted that in the drawings and description of theapplication, right eye dominance is assumed. However, the system of theinvention can be easily reconfigured accommodate a person with left eyedominance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-5, illustrate one embodiment of the system of the inventionhaving a pivot-type visual target acquisition scope arrangement. Thearrangement comprises a target acquisition assembly 10 with theuniversal base 50 and the clamp pivot 51 adjustably combining/connectinga zero magnification scope or a red dot scope 100 to a power scope or aspotting scope 200.

A universal base 50 is associated with a prism housing section 205 ofthe spotting scope 200. The position of where the base is placed, foreor aft, determined according to configuration of the individual spottingscope and red dot scope. It is essential that both eyepieces 104 and 204are disposed within the same plane and at an approximate even distancefrom the viewer's eyes when placed against the scopes in a face onposition, not turned sideways.

The universal base 50 is secured to the spotting scope 200 by a flexiblemember or strap 55 and a strap lock 56. The length of the flexiblemember 55 depends on an outer perimeter of the individual spotting scopeat a respective area of prism section 205. In one embodiment, theflexible member or strap 55 is secured with multiple fasteners 59 b atone side of the universal base 50. The lock 56 is secured by anyconventional means including fasteners 59 a to a side of the universalbase 50 opposite to that receiving the strap. The flexible member orstrap 55 surrounds and tightens the spotting scope 200 down, and entersthe lock 56 with the strap lock lever 56 a being in an unlockedposition. In FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 in the unlocked position the lever 56 apoints up. When strap 55 is tightened, so as to lock the spotting scope200 and the strap lock level 56 a is lowered within the assembly (seeFIG. 1). Thus, the universal base 50, therefore the entire assembly issecured. In an alternate embodiment, upon the viewer/user concludingthat the position of the universal base 50 is firmly established, theassembly can be made permanent. This eliminates the need for the strap55 and the strap lock 56. Such permanent structure can be formed bysecuring the universal base 50 to the spotting scope 200 in anyconventional manner.

Formation of the system of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4and 5 showing how the zero magnification or red dot scope 100 isinserted and secured within the pivot assembly, between a clamp pivot 51and a clamp saddle 51 a. In the preferred embodiment this can beaccomplished by loosening fasteners 59 and inserting the red dot scopefrom behind into a space 100L (see FIG. 4, for example). When the reddot scope 100 is installed in the desired position, the clamp saddle 51a is then secured by tightening the fasteners 59.

The embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 the universal base 50 is positioned on topof the high power or spotting scope 200. The arc-shaped portion 49formed at the bottom part of the base 50 receives and accommodates theexterior of a great variety of scopes. In this manner, the universalbase 50 of this embodiment can be positioned in a very stable way on agreat variety of individual scopes. The flexible element or band 55cooperates with the universal base 50 and the locking mechanism 56, soas to surround the spotting or high powered scope 200. The combinationof clamp pivot 51 and clamp saddle 51 a defining the receiving space100L accommodates an exterior of practically any conventional red dotscope. The pivot arrangement allows adjustment of the system of theinvention to practically any distance between human pupils. In thismanner, the invention covers a great range of distances from thenarrowest distance between eyes to the widest.

In the preferred embodiment, the universal base 50 and the clamp pivot51 assembly are put together in the following manner. Initially, aspacer 57 is inserted over the adjustment locking knob's 54 engagingarea 54 a. Then the adjustment locking knob 54 is inserted into the holeat the top of the universal base 50. After that, a lock spacer 58 isinserted over the engaging area 54 a of the adjustment locking knob 54and into a bore 58 a in same universal base 50. Finely, the clamp pivot51 is brought together with universal base 50 when the boss 50 a, at thetop of the clamp pivot 51, is inserted into the bore 58 a, at the top ofthe universal base 50. The process is finalized by the adjustmentlocking knob 54 being positioned into a tightening member 53, and thentightened.

The tolerances of the inner wall and the depth of the counter bore 58 ain the universal base 50 and the outer wall and the height of boss 50 aare similar to that of the pivot design assembly having a very snug fitwithout fully tightening the adjustment locking knob 54. When theadjustment-locking member 54 is fully tightened, the flat surface belowand around the boss 50 a comes into a contact with the flat outsidesurface around the counter bore 58 a. In addition, the boss 50 asimultaneously flattens the lock spacer 58 inside the counter bore 58 ain the universal base 50 for a very positive lock.

When a slight adjustment in the pivot design assembly is needed, ittakes only a limited adjustment of the adjustment-locking member 54.This loosens the positive lock by springing the lock spacer 58 from itsflat position, yet keeping the universal base 50 and the clamp pivot 51very snug. In this manner there is no wobbling when adjustments aremade. As soon as the desired adjustment IPD is achieved, the adjustmentlocking member 54 is turned and the assembly is secured in its newsetting.

In operation of the system, initially the pivot assembly is looselypositioned on the spotting scope 200 (see FIG. 1). Then, theadjustment-locking member 54 having an engaging section 54 a can beslightly loosened. Adjustable connection between a zero magnificationscope viewed by a first eye of a user and a power scope viewed by asecond eye of the user, the system comprising:

If the two eyepieces, 104 and 204 are not on a horizontal plane or theiroptical axes are not parallel to each other, the universal base 50 willthen be moved as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 4, until a horizontalplane is achieved. If, at that point, the distance between the eyepieces 104 and 204 changed, the clamp pivot 51 will also be moved up ordown accordingly. Even if the IPD's exact measurement is not known, thesame procedure will be followed by simply looking through the eyepieces104 and 204, as the universal base 50 and the clamp pivot 51 are beingadjusted until the viewer gets a visual and/or mental indication thatthe optimal IPD has been achieved. At this point the adjustment lockingknob 54 and the strap lock 56 are tightened. Index lines visible on topof the universal base 51 and a corresponding index line (1) FIGS. 2, 3,and 5, can be provided so as to provide the viewer a reference for quicksetting up in the future.

Although, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 have been described with referenceto a particular design of the universal base 50 and the clamp pivot 51including the clamp saddle 51 a, it should be obvious that variations ofthis embodiment are within the scope of the invention. For example, thelock 56 can be secured to the universal base by any conventional manner,such as for example, gluing, welding, etc. In attaching, the clampsaddle 51 a to the clamp pivot 51, any conventional way of accomplishingthis task also forms a part of the invention. As an example, the scope100 can have a standard 25 mm-28 mm inside diameter (ID), 30 mm outsidediameter (OD).

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, illustrating an embodiment of thesystem of the invention having a T-shaped pivot arrangement. The red dotscopes having larger inside diameter, and therefore even larger outsidediameter, require a different way for attaching same to the universalbase 50 of the previously discussed pivot design attachment. That isbecause many of such scopes are often provided with an integrated rail.Such rail 105 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, is formed as part of thezero magnification, red dot scope tube. This makes it very difficult touse the clamp pivot 51 and the clamp saddle 51 a of the previouslydiscussed pivot design assembly to mount such a scope. In the embodimentof FIGS. 6-8 a T-shaped pivot 152 and the T-shaped pivot rail 152R areprovided to accommodate the integrated rails 105.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the universal base 150 and the related parts,other than the T-shaped pivot 152 and pivot rail 152 a, etc. are similarto those illustrated in FIG. 1-5. Furthermore, since the way theuniversal base 150 is attached to the spotting scope and the adjustmentsthereof, have been previously covered in substantial detail, and willnot be repeated here.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the T-shaped pivot 152 accommodates the largered dot scope 100Lg. FIG. 8 shows how the T-shaped rail 152R fits intothe notch at the bottom of the T-shaped pivot 152 and is secured with afastener 152Ra. The bottom of the T-shaped pivot 52 has been formed toreceive the T-shaped pivot rail 152R. The two parts, 152 and 152R, areat substantially right angles to each other and are in line with eachother. As seen in FIG. 8, the T-shaped pivot rail 152R extends on eitherside of T-shaped pivot 152. As seen in FIG. 8, there are multipleopenings formed in the rail 152R. This allows enough flexibility insetting the rail 152R fore and aft into the T-shaped pivot 152. Thisallows the zero magnification or red dot scope with integrated mountingrails 105 to arrange its eyepiece 100Lg to align with the power orspotting scopes eyepiece 204.

FIG. 7, illustrates how the large red dot scope 100Lg is mounted on theT-shaped pivot rail 152R. First, the locking fasteners 105Ln areloosened. This allows the rail clamps 105C to move away from theintegrated rail 105 widening the space between them until the T-shapedpivot rail 152R fits in between them. Then, by tightening the lockingfasteners 105Ln, the rail clamps 105C squeeze the T-shaped pivot rail152R against the large red dot scope 100Lg integrated rail 105, therebysecurely mounting the large red dot scope 100Lg onto the pivot designattachment.

Since position of the rail 105 on the red dot scope is very specific,the arrangement of this embodiment is very precise. This embodiment doesnot allow a rotational motion of the red dot scope 100Lg within thebracket. The embodiment assures a longitudinal motion of the red dotscope within the bracket of the T-shaped arrangement and the radialmotion of the red dot scope through the pivotal connection. However, therotational motion of the red dot scope is inhibited.

Because the T-shaped pivot 152 and the previously discussed clamp pivot51 use the identical universal base, the mounting procedure onto thespotting scope 200 is very similar. In addition, the process ofadjusting for the proper IPD is also identical for both. This processhas been fully described before and is not repeated here.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-13 illustrating the embodiment of the pivotassembly of the invention adapted to accommodate a standard Long Rifle(LR) as it is mounted on a riflescope 300. FIG. 9 shows the pivotassembly where the red dot scope 100 is attached to the riflescope 300associated with a rifle 400. FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13 show the assemblywith the rifle and scopes being removed for better clarity.

Referring now to FIG. 9 showing that the riflescope 300 is attached tothe rifle via mounting rings 305, attached to two mounting rings bases305 a, which are connected to the rifle 400 fore and aft of the breacharea. In one embodiment, the universal base 360 is positioned over theriflescope tube 300 between the rear mounting ring 305 and the scopeeyepiece 304. The location of attaching the universal base 60 to theuniversal base clamp 366 is based substantially on the following twofactors: (1) the availability of an open space on the tube 300 a; and(2) the location on the tube 300 a of an adjusting knob 302 controllingfore or aft of the elevation 302 and an adjusting knob 303 controllingthe windage. It is essential for the invention that when the red dotscope 100 is mounted on the rifle scope 300, the respective eyepiece 104does not go aft of the rifle scope eye piece 304 and interfere with theshooter's preferred eye relief. For the purposes of the invention it isassumed that, the eye relief is the distance from the eye to the firstlens in the eyepiece.

Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11 and 13 illustrating systematicrelationships between the scopes 100 and 300. As the initial step, thebottom of the universal base 360 is first mounted on to the riflescopetube 300 a. It is then matched with the universal base clamp 366 mountedat the bottom of the rifle scope main tube 300 a and is secured byfasteners 359, which enter through universal base clamp 366 into auniversal base 360 (see FIG. 13) and are only snugged in.

Then, the red dot scope 100 is mounted in between the clamp pivot 361and the clamp saddle 361 a with the fasteners 359 entering through clampsaddle 361 a and snuggly engaging the clamp pivot 361 (see FIGS. 10 and11) and are only snugged in.

After that the adjustment-locking member 354 having an engaging section354 a, is slightly loosened and the spaces between the left space forthe red dot scope 100L and the right space for the riflescope 300R areset for the IPD of a user. This is accomplished by tilting the clamppivot 361 up or down as illustrated by the arrows shown in FIG. 11. Suchmotion is achieved by using the boss 350 a, the corresponding bore 358 aand the engaging section 354 a of the adjustment member 354 as thepivoting point (see FIG. 13). When the center of the left space for thered dot scope 100L, or the red dot scope eyepiece 104 and the center ofthe right space for the riflescope 300R, or the riflescope eyepiece 304,correspond to the individual viewers IPD, the adjustment member 354 istightened to provide a positive lock.

In view of the interference of the rifle stock cheek rest 402, in orderfor the shooter to look through the center of the rifle scope 300, thehead tilts at an angle towards the rifle. This puts the left eye abovethe right eye. To maintain the ability of the shooter to look throughthe centers of both scope eyepieces, the universal base 360 should betilted from a horizontal position to one matching the angle of the headleaning. This is done by using the rifle scope 300 as the pivotingpoint, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 11. The process should beaccomplished by emanating to the left and right from the universal base360 until the right eye is looking through the center of the rifle scopeeye piece 304 and the left eye is looking through the center of the reddot scope eye piece 104. When that is achieved, the fasteners 359attaching the universal base clamp 366 into the universal base 360 canbe finally tightened.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9-13, illustrates installation of the targetacquisition assembly of the invention on a rifle. This occurs in such amanner so as to provide a pivotal connection between the red dot scopeand the high power scope of the rifle, and to accommodate variousdesigns of the rifle scopes. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, an innerarea 348 of the base clamp 366 has a u-shaped configuration, whereas thebottom inner area 347 of the universal base 360 has a v-shapedconfiguration. The combination of the u-shape and v-shape areas in thereceiving opening 300R, enable the invention to accommodate a greatvariety of the rifle scopes. Since the u-shaped area 348 of the baseclamp receives a cylindrical portion of the rifle scope housing, thev-shape area 347 locks the rifle scope housing within the u-shaped seatof the base clamp 366.

It should be obvious that many variations and modifications of theabove-discussed pivot assembly of FIGS. 9-13 are contemplated by theinvention. For example, the adjustment member 354 can be substituted byother conventional arrangements controlling the motion between the leftand right spaces of the assembly. Furthermore, the universal base clamp366 can be attached to the universal base 360 by any conventional means.This is also applicable for the assembly of the clamp pivot 351, etc.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-17 is provided to facilitatecarrying a rifle with the mounted target acquisition assembly forsubstantial distances, or when a user is running with the rifle. Whenthe rifle is carried in front, at the side or shouldered, the pivotassembly, as it is mounted on the rifle, might interfere with suchapplications because of its side protrusion. In the embodiment of FIGS.14-17 this drawback is minimized through a provision of a quick releasemechanism disposed between the bottom of the universal base 60T and theuniversal base clamp 66T on the opposite side of the red dot scope 100(right side shoulder of universal base 60T). Certain elements of thepresent embodiment have been disclosed with reference to the previouslydiscussed tactical pivot assembly and the long rifle pivot assembly andwill not be repeated in this part of the application.

As depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, to bring the universal base unittogether, the universal base clamp 466T is connected to the universalbase 460T by any conventional means including the fasteners 469. Aspacer 467 is inserted over it and pressed against a shoulder of theuniversal base 460T. As depicted in FIGS. 15-17, the cross dowel 468 isinserted into the openings at a bifurcated bottom area of the cam lever465 and secured. In one embodiment of the invention fasteners can beused for the securing purposes, so as to be placed into the cross dowel468 and snugged, while the cam lever is in the down position 465 u. Thecam lever 465 releases and squeezes one side of the universal base 460T.The securing members 469 are snugged into the bottom of the universalbase 460T. The fasteners 459 b attaching the other side of the universalclamp 466T to the universal base 460T, remain tight during the entireprocess.

FIG. 16 illustrates how the cam lever 465 upon being lowered to position465 u allows the entire pivot assembly 640T to be tilted. To accomplishthis task, the rifle scope main tube 300 a/300R is used as afulcrum/pivot to where the red dot scope 100 is placed directly abovethe rifle scope 300. That position is then secured by raising the camlever 465 from the position 465 u to the position where the cam lever465 touches the top of the universal base 460T, which tightens theuniversal base clap 466T against the universal base 460T. As depicted inFIG. 17, if there is a need for close quarters quick shot, the red dotscope 100 can be used to take that shot because the scopes are still inparallel alignment. When the need to return to the sniper mode arises,the process is reversed from FIG. 17 to FIG. 16. In this manner, the camlever 465 is lowered, the universal base 460T, and therefore theassembly, is pivoted back to the left to its optimal IPD position. Thelever is raised to lock it after the adjustment is complete. Theseadjustments are rather fast and take no more than a second or two.

As discussed above, when a user is walking or running with a rifle alonghis or her side, or when shouldering the rifle, the red dot arrangementoften interfere with a body of the user. The arrangement of theembodiment of FIGS. 14-17 allows alignment of the scopes in a straighthorizontal plain with the rifle. Thus, the scopes are positioned flatagainst the body or against the back when shouldered. Theabove-discussed quick release mechanism is provided to facilitate quickangle and/or radial adjustment of the entire target acquisition system,so that the red dot scope 100L is adjusted with respect to the highpower scope 300R of the rifle. This mechanism provides fast adjustmentto practically any desired position of the red dot scope 100L withrespect to the high power rifle scope 300R. The adjustment includes arotational motion of the assembly, including the red dot scope withrespect to the longitudinal or optical axis of the rifle scope. Variousradial positions of the red dot scope 100L are achieved by simplyreleasing and locking the cam lever 65 and the respective cam mechanism.

FIGS. 18-25, illustrate an embodiment of the invention with thewedge-shaped design assembly 500. As to FIGS. 18 and 19, the rifle scope300 is mounted on the rifle 400 in a substantially the same way aspreviously discussed with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 9. To attachthe wedge-shaped target acquisition assembly 500 to the rifle scope, thering part of a set of mounting rings 506 clamp around the rifle scopetube 300 a which are secured onto the rifle scope 300 by anyconventional means including fasteners 506 b. The jaw parts of themounting rings 506 clamp on the outer male dovetails section of theright gear wedge 570R by any conventional means including fasteners 506a.

A set of mounting rings 501 clamps around the red dot scope 100 and thered dot scope is secured by any conventional means including fasteners501 b. The jaws of the mounting rings 501 clamp onto the outer maledovetail section of left rack wedge 570L and are secured by anyconventional means including fasteners 501 a.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 18-24 the adjustment for IPD of theuser by means of the wedge-shaped design assembly 500 is achieved bysliding the wedges 570R and 570L against each other. The wedges have thesubstantially similar angle, but are provided in the reverse relation toeach other. As the wedges slide in opposing directions, the width of theassembly, or the distance from the outer edge of the right gear wedge570R and the outer edge of the left rack edge 570L changes. Asillustrated by the arrows in FIGS. 18, 20, 21 and 23, upon the movement,the distance widens when the wedges come together or narrows as theymove apart.

However, the difference in the width produced by the wedges slidingagainst each other is not substantial, which make the assembly to beuseful in the fine-tuned final adjustments. That is why a selection theright mounting rings 501 for attaching the red dot scope, and the rings506 for attaching the rifle scope to the wedge assembly 570 is anintegral part of the process for achieving the proper adjustment for theIPD of an individual.

This process begins with selecting the correct mounting rings for eachscope. The red dot scope and rifle scope mounting rings are provided inmany different styles. The height of a mounting ring refers to thedistance from the base to the saddle of the ring. The base of the ringis the part that comes in contact with, or just floats above, the outersurface of the rail it is being clamped on. The saddle of the mountingring is the bottom of the circler space into which the scopes fits. Thisis critical because the distance from the base of the mounting rings tothe saddle of the mounting ring, will determine an approximate distancebetween the centers of the red dot scope eyepiece 104 and the center ofthe riflescope eyepiece 304. The sliding wedges 570L and 570R arecapable of moving the red dot scope 100 and the rifle scope 300 alimited distance to complete the precise IPD setting.

FIG. 24 illustrates how the assembly is placed together and functions asa unit. The male dovetail 570La of left rack wedge 570L, with the rack571 pressed in, slides into the female dovetail 570Ra of the right gearwedge 570R. The gears 575 and 576, mash with the rack 571, as the wedges570L and 570R slide inside each other.

The locking pinion gear shaft 575 and the idler pinion gear 576, enterfrom the bottom of the gear wedge 570R and closed in by the plugs 578.As locking pinion gear 575 threads penetrate the top of the gear wedge570R, a locking knob 574 is threaded over it. Then, the locking member573 is positioned over the locking knob 574 to keep it from beingaccidently released. Because the idler pinion gear 576 does not have anadjustment or locking knob, it is much shorter. However, the gear 576follows the same installation procedure except that it barely penetratesthe surface of the right gear wedge 570R. The height of both gearsmatches the width of the rack 571 plus the height of the gear keepergroove 577. Therefore, when the wedges are slid together and the gears575 and 576 mash with the rack, the gears are kept in place without anyadditional fasteners. The fastener 572 a is unscrewed when the twowedges 570R and 570L are first slid to gather. However, when they areslid together, it is screwed into the pinion wedge 570R. As illustratedin FIG. 20, this is just enough to keep the two wedges from slidingapart.

The operation of the wedge-shaped assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 20,21 and 22. For the purposes of the invention, an assumption is made thatsince the right gear wedge 570R is attached to the rifle scope 300, itis stationary. In operation of the wedge assembly, first, locking knob574 is loosened. Then, left rack wedge 570L is moved fore or aft asnecessary. When the proper IPD is achieved, the locking member or knob574 is tightened to achieve a positive lock. If, at this point, the reddot scope eye piece 104 is either too close or too far in relation tothe rifle scope eye piece, the fasteners 501 a are loosened, the red dotscope 100 with its rings 501 tightly attached, is slid to a positionwhere it is comfortable. Then the fasteners 501 are tightened again.

Referring now back to the assembly of FIG. 19, which is provided toaccommodate a need for a more refined adjustment. Because the shooter isfacing the two scopes at an angle and not at a face-on position, the IPDwill be slightly narrower (2 mm-3 mm) than a head-on IPD. An advantageof the wedge-shaped assembly 570 is that it provides a simple process ofloosening the locking knob 574, then adjusting for the difference bymoving the left wedge slightly and re-tightening the locking knob 574.In view of interference of the rifle stock 402, in order for the shooterto look through the center of the riflescope 300, the head tilts at anangle towards the rifle, this places the left eye above the right eye.As illustrated by the arrows on the front and back of the red dot scopein FIG. 19, to adjust for the tilt of the head against the rifle stock401, fasteners 506 b should be loosened, and the red dot scope will bepivoted up using the riflescope 300 as the pivot point center. When theproper angle is achieved, the fasteners 506 b will be tightened againfor a final positive lock.

The wedge-shaped assembly 500 illustrated in FIGS. 18-24 has a lowerprofile/extension than the pivot design discussed above, and provides aprecise way of adjusting the IPD. The assembly includes a pair ofsubstantially identical wedges disposed in the reversed order withrespect to one another. The wedges are moved fore and aft to each other,so as to widen or narrow the distance between the outer sides thereof,depending on the directions of the slide which are associated with therings receiving the individual scopes. Sliding of wedges one against theother is resulted in a very precise incremental adjustment of the IPD.In operation, the outside surfaces of the wedges remain in a parallel toeach others position. This maintains the parallel focal plains of thered dot scope and the high power scope at any distance therebetween.Thus, as the wedges slide against each other, a parallel disposition ofboth focal plains is constantly maintained.

Referring now to FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 illustrating a shim basedembodiment or assembly 600 of the target acquisition system. FIG. 25shows the left side rail 691L fitting into the right side rail 691R withmultiple shims 693 used as spacers between the two rails. FIG. 26 showsthe shim or spacers 693 with the cut-out 693 a facilitating an insertioninto the rails. In this manner, the shim can pass through the spacebetween the left rail 691L and the right rail 691R and accommodate thetightening fasteners 694.

FIGS. 25 and 27 illustrate that the adjustment can be made by increasingor decreasing the number of the used shims 693. When the proper IPD isachieved the locking fasteners are tightened to achieve a positive lock.

Although no rifle or scopes are drawn in FIGS. 25, 26 and 27, areference can be made to FIG. 19 in assumption that similar problemsexist and similar solutions are applicable to the shim-based assembly600 as the wedge-shaped assembly 500.

In referring to and combining the embodiments in FIGS. 19 and 27 theadditional adjustments are needed because the shooter is facing the twoscopes at an angle and not at a face-on position, the IPD will beslightly narrower (2 mm-3 mm) than a head-on IPD. In the shim-basedassembly 600, the process for the final IPD adjustment is simplyaccomplished by loosening the locking fasteners 694 a, adding orremoving shim(s) and tightening the locking fasteners 694 a. Inaddition, because the rifle stock 402 is in the way, in order for theshooter to look through the center of the riflescope 300, the head tiltsat an angle towards the rifle, which puts the left eye above the righteye. As the arrow over the red dot scope ring 601 in FIG. 27, to adjustfor the tilt of the head against the rifle stock 402, fasteners 606 bwill be loosened, the red dot scope will be pivoted up using the riflescope 300 as the pivot point center. When the proper angle is achieved,the fasteners 306 b will be tightened again for a final positive lock.

The shim-based embodiment of FIGS. 25-27, includes two rails forming adovetail connection, one fitting inside the other. The outside surfacesof the rails are parallel to each other. The arrangement allowsadjustment for IPD. The distance between the two rails is set by eitheradding or removing shims disposed within the space between the rails andthen attaching them together. The arrangement of this embodiment isquite reliable because of the simplicity of the design and the absenceof moving parts.

Referring now to FIG. 28 illustrating principles of the invention. Theleft eye of a user is looking through the eyepiece 104 of the zeromagnification or red dot scope 100 and finds an object such as a birdfor example. The right eye is simultaneously looking through theeyepiece 204 of the high power scope 200. The result is the immediateviewing of the magnified view 204A of the bird object. The longer theviewer looks at the magnified view, the less he/she notices the red dot.At the moment the bird flies away, the brain of the user shifts some ofits focus from the magnified view to the reemerging red dot in the widefield of view of the red dot eye piece 104. The result is that thetarget does not disappear from the magnified view.

It is illustrated in FIG. 28 that looking with the left eye through thezero magnification or the red dot scope 100 the user acquires a widefield view 104A and sees a large area around the bird object. On theother hand, the right eye looking through the high power scope 204acquires an enlarged view 204A of the bird object. The right eye has amuch narrower field of view 204A and only sees a part of the object,such as for example a head of the bird. The resulted view 250 is thecombination of the zero magnification of the red dot view 104 a and themagnified view 204 a provided by the system of the invention.

1. A visual target acquisition scope system for adjustable connectionbetween a zero magnification scope viewed by a first eye of a user and ahigh power scope viewed by a second eye of the user, the systemcomprising: first and second main movable sections connected andcontrolled by an adjustment locking mechanisms, said adjustmentmechanism is adapted to bring said scopes to a distance; and anarrangement for allowing simultaneous use of said zero magnificationscope and said high power scope by a user, so as to simultaneously finda view of a target and maintain the target at an enlarged field of view,so that while the user is looking at the object through said zeromagnification power scope by the first eye and looking at the objectthrough the high power scope by the second eye, the target visible tothe first eye is simultaneously visible to the second eye, so as toprovide immediate acquisition and viewing of the object through the highpower scope by the second eye.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein anoptical axis of the zero power scope is constantly maintained to beparallel to an optical axis of the high power scope.
 3. The system ofclaim 2 wherein said zero magnification scope is a red dot scopeproviding a red dot point of reference on the optical axis thereof, sothat when the object is viewed simultaneously by said first and secondeyes, while the red dot is placed on the object, said objectsimultaneously is visible within said high power scope by the second eyeand remains to be visible by the second eye as long as it remainsvisible to the first eye through said zero magnification scope.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said first and second main movable sectionscomprise a universal base pivotally connected to a clamp portion,wherein said clamp portion adjustably receives said zero magnificationscope and said universal base adjustably receives said high power scope.5. The system of claim 4, wherein said universal base is adjustablyconnected to the high power scope by a flexible member, said flexiblemember surrounds and tightens the high power scope to a bottom portionof the universal base.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein said clampportion further comprises a clamp pivot and a clamp saddle defining areceiving space therebetween adapted to accommodate an exterior of saidzero magnification scope.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein in operationinitially the pivot assembly is positioned at the high power scope, thenthe user rotates the clamp pivot with said zero magnification scopepositioned between the clamp pivot and the clamp saddle to adjust forinterpupillary distance, rotation of the universal base is continueduntil a distance between a center of said zero magnification scope and acenter of the high power scope match the interpupillary distance of theuser.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein an exterior of said zeromagnification scope is provided with a rail member, said clamp pivot isformed having a T-shaped configuration adapted for connection with saidrail member.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein a connection between saidrail member and said T-shaped pivot allows a longitudinal motion of saidzero magnification scope with respect to the T-shaped pivot and arotational motion thereof by means of the pivotal connection, saidconnection inhibits a rotational motion of the zero magnification scopeabout the optical axis thereof.
 10. The system of claim 4, furthercomprising a wedge-shaped target acquisition assembly, said assemblycomprising a pair of substantially similar wedge members disposed in areverse relation to each other and adapted to slide in oppositedirections in such a manner that an outer periphery of the assemblywidens when the wedge members are brought together, the outer peripheryof the assembly narrows when the wedge members are moved apart.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein sliding of the wedge members with respect toeach other is resulted in an incremental adjustment of theinterpupillary distance.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein outsidesurfaces of the wedge members remain substantially parallel to eachother, so as to maintain a substantially parallel relationship betweenthe focal plains of the zero magnification scope and the high powerscope at any distance therebetween, as the wedge members slide againsteach other a parallel relationship of the focal plains of the scopes isbeing constantly maintained.
 13. The system of claim 4, furthercomprising a shim-based target acquisition assembly comprising a firstand second dovetail members adapted for engagement with each other andforming an operational space therebetween, said operational spacereceiving a plurality of shims, adjustment of a distance between saidfirst and second rails and a respective interpupillary distance iscarried out either by adding to or removing the shims from theoperational space formed between the rails.
 14. The system of claim 4,wherein optical or focal axes of the scopes are being set insubstantially parallel alignment, and distance between the focal axes ofthe scopes corresponds to a predetermined distance between the pupils ofthe user eyes.
 15. A method of rapidly acquiring and maintaining avisual target by means of a system providing an adjustable connectionbetween a zero magnification scope viewed by a first eye of a user and ahigh power scope viewed by a second eye of the user, the methodcomprising of the following steps: combining a zero magnification scopeand a high power scope within said system; setting a distance betweensaid scopes to accommodate an interpupillary distance of the user;whereby while the user is looking at an object through said zeromagnification power scope by the first eye and looking at the objectthrough the high power scope by the second eye, the target visible tothe first eye is simultaneously visible to the second eye, so as toprovide immediate acquisition and viewing of the object through the highpower scope by the second eye.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein saidzero magnification scope is a red dot scope, the method furthercomprising a step of placing a red dot generated by the zeromagnification scope as the object is being viewed.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein when the object is viewed simultaneously by said firstand second eyes, and the red dot is placed on the object, said object isvisible within said high power scope, and remains visible by the secondeye as long as it remains visible to the first eye through said zeromagnification scope.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein said systemcomprises a universal base pivotally connected to a clamp portion havinga clamp saddle, said clamp portion adjustably receives said zeromagnification scope, said universal base adjustably receives said highpower scope, the method further comprising the steps of: rotating theclamp pivot with said zero magnification scope positioned between theclamp portion and the clamp saddle to adjust the interpupillarydistance; and rotating the universal base until a distance between anoptical center of said zero magnification scope and an optical center ofthe high power scope match the interpupillary distance of the user. 19.The method of claim 15, wherein said zero magnification scope and thepower scope are combined by first and second movable sections connectedand controlled by an adjustment mechanism, when said scopes are not in ahorizontal plane the first section is moved until a substantiallyhorizontal plane is achieved looking through the scopes, the first andsecond sections are being adjusted until the user obtains a visualand/or mental indication that the optimal interpupillary distance isachieved.